Festivities are taking shape in Warkworth

The hard-working organisers behind Warkworth’s Magna Carter celebrations say they are immensely proud that the village will play a part in the 800-year commemorations.

Volunteers have been busy arranging and preparing a range of events which will be staged in the community over one weekend in June to mark the historic occasion. Diana Webber, who is part of the steering group involved with Warkworth’s festivities, said: “This is very much a village effort with lots of people contributing and we are immensely proud of our connection with Magna Carta, which has had such far-reaching consequences for us all.

“Our village is proud to celebrate its connection with such a historic event and has a part to play.”

The events in the village have been supported and part-funded by Warkworth Parish Council. On Friday, June 12, there will be a Magna Party at the village cricket club from 6pm. There will be refreshments and live music. A busy programme has been lined up on Saturday, June 13, with daytime and evening entertainment.During the day, the United Reformed Church hall will host an exhibition of facsimile Magna Carta, with historical background. The results of a competition for Year 4 pupils of the three local first schools will also be exhibited. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. There will also be demonstrations of mediaeval crafts in St Lawrence churchyard. These will include a wheelwright, leather-worker, silversmith, pole-lathe wood-turner, spinner, basket-maker and weaver, amongst others.

The churchyard will provide an outdoor stage for Warkworth Drama Group’s short play about the Magna Carta, which has been specially written for the occasion. Children’s workshops and story-telling for young and old will take place in St Lawrence Church, while history walks are also planned for during the day. A Magna Concert will be held in the village’s Memorial Hall on the Saturday at 7.30pm.

On Sunday, June 14, there will be an ecumenical service of celebration in St Lawrence Church at 3pm. Sir Alan Beith will be guest speaker and the framed Magna Carta facsimile will be on view. Tea will be served.